

The Uncommon Career Podcast: Job Search & Transformative Career Coaching
Patricia Ortega | Transformational Career Coach | Career Counselor
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search, you need less effort and more strategy.
Join me to catch your career blind spots, make internal shifts, and elevate your job search to make real progress.
🙋🏻♀️ Hey there! I’m Patricia. I help mid-career women get to their ideal next role with more intention and less stress.
On the podcast, you’ll clarify your career direction, understand strategic branding, and experience the same insight-to-action approach I use in my start-to-finish 1:1 career coaching program.
.
This podcast is especially for you if you:
✔︎ are in a job search or about to start one
✔︎ know how to work hard but want a smarter strategy
✔︎ want momentum in the search, knowing you left nothing on the table
.
Here’s what we talk about:
🎙️ Job search strategy for mid-career professionals
🎙️ Career clarity, insights, and decision-making
🎙️ Professional branding (resume, LinkedIn, messaging)
🎙️ Interview preparation and interview strategy
🎙️ The thoughts, patterns and habits that accelerate (or stall) your search
🎙️ What’s working in today’s job market
.
🚫 This is not: a podcast about quick-fixes and career hacks.
🚫 It's also not empty "you can be anything" promises.
It’s instead a practical, insight-driven space where I help you slow down - just a bit - so you can:
✅ position yourself well in today's market
✅ leverage strategic communications to experience momentum, and
✅ feel the relief - and results - of an approach that truly connects
...all using the same approach I coach my 1:1 clients with in our start-to-finish career coaching program.
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search and you're ready to "slow down to speed up", then you’re in the right place!
.
💡 Need a Tour Guide? Start Here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmapDownload the Podcast Roadmap, for our best episodes to help you at every phase of your search.
Happy listening!
~Patricia Ortega, MS 2x Certified Career Coach (BCC/ICF) & Counselor since the 2010 job market downturn.
______________________________
John 5:12 | Love Jesus, love people. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you"
Join me to catch your career blind spots, make internal shifts, and elevate your job search to make real progress.
🙋🏻♀️ Hey there! I’m Patricia. I help mid-career women get to their ideal next role with more intention and less stress.
On the podcast, you’ll clarify your career direction, understand strategic branding, and experience the same insight-to-action approach I use in my start-to-finish 1:1 career coaching program.
.
This podcast is especially for you if you:
✔︎ are in a job search or about to start one
✔︎ know how to work hard but want a smarter strategy
✔︎ want momentum in the search, knowing you left nothing on the table
.
Here’s what we talk about:
🎙️ Job search strategy for mid-career professionals
🎙️ Career clarity, insights, and decision-making
🎙️ Professional branding (resume, LinkedIn, messaging)
🎙️ Interview preparation and interview strategy
🎙️ The thoughts, patterns and habits that accelerate (or stall) your search
🎙️ What’s working in today’s job market
.
🚫 This is not: a podcast about quick-fixes and career hacks.
🚫 It's also not empty "you can be anything" promises.
It’s instead a practical, insight-driven space where I help you slow down - just a bit - so you can:
✅ position yourself well in today's market
✅ leverage strategic communications to experience momentum, and
✅ feel the relief - and results - of an approach that truly connects
...all using the same approach I coach my 1:1 clients with in our start-to-finish career coaching program.
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search and you're ready to "slow down to speed up", then you’re in the right place!
.
💡 Need a Tour Guide? Start Here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmapDownload the Podcast Roadmap, for our best episodes to help you at every phase of your search.
Happy listening!
~Patricia Ortega, MS 2x Certified Career Coach (BCC/ICF) & Counselor since the 2010 job market downturn.
______________________________
John 5:12 | Love Jesus, love people. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you"
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2024 • 37min
83. Exploring International Career Moves with World Explorer Richa Singh
In this episode, explore the possibility of living and working abroad with Richa, a seasoned procurement leader with 15 years of experience across North America, Asia, and Europe. The conversation delves deep into the allure of international work-life balance, the challenges of cultural adaptation, and practical steps for pursuing an international career.
Richa also provides valuable tips on navigating visa processes, expat communities, and managing the nuanced communication styles of different cultures.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion on making international work a reality, complete with resources for those interested in taking the leap.
We'll Talk About
00:00 La Dolce Vita
00:27 Meet Richa: A Global Procurement Leader
01:37 Richa's Journey Across Continents
03:37 The Dream and Reality of International Work
07:57 Navigating the International Career Search
10:57 Cultural and Logistical Challenges
14:55 Internal Conflicts and Adaptation
21:15 Practical Tips for International Job Seekers
30:07 Final Thoughts and Resources
About Richa Singh
Ever wondered what it’s like to feel truly settled in new countries? Having lived in 6 countries and explored 52, Richa knows what it feels like to be truly settled in a new culture. From the bustling markets of Asia to the romantic streets of Paris, and the efficient cities of Germany, her journey has been quite the adventure.
With over a decade in top multinational firms, including an 8-year stint at the world’s largest FMCG giant, she has honed her skills in Supply Chain and Procurement across borders and time zones. Navigating careers in North America, Asia and Europe wasn’t just about successes, but about learning from every curveball thrown her way.
Now she loves to help others on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to craft your own international career path or find a strong footing where you are, she is happy to connect, share experiences, offer advice, and swap stories about life, work, and the world.
Connect with Richa
International Career E-Book: step-by-step guide to help you thrive post international career transitions: https://topmate.io/richa_singhsharma/374088
Connect with Richa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richasingh0408/
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Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Oct 22, 2024 • 25min
82. Using Persuasion To Influence Up
In this episode, Patricia and Juliana dive into the critical skills of persuasion and influence. They discuss the challenges of managing up, particularly when lacking the necessary resources or authority. Offering actionable insights on observation, preparation, and leveraging emotional intelligence, they show how to get decision-makers on your side.
Learn about the importance of understanding the priorities and pressures of each stakeholder, building credibility, and cultivating trust to effectively lead from any position.
We'll talk about:
00:00 Introduction to Elevated Leadership
00:33 The Importance of Persuasion and Influence
01:15 Challenges in Managing Up
02:45 Strategies for Effective Persuasion
05:13 Understanding Decision Makers
12:51 Building Relational Equity 22:03
Final Thoughts on Persuasion
24:21 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Connect with Julianna:
LinkedIn
Newsletter signup

Oct 15, 2024 • 22min
81. Why Does This Always Happen To Me? How To Change A Career Pattern
In this episode, explore the concept of identifying repetitive, unhelpful patterns in your professional life and how to change them to foster personal and career growth. We discuss happenstance theory and how unplanned career paths can include negative behavior patterns. By reflecting on specific scenarios, recognizing thoughts and emotions before, during, and after these situations, and assessing the outcomes, you can gain insights into these patterns.
Practical steps are provided for making conscious behavioral changes to ensure your career trajectory aligns with your ultimate goals. Tune in to begin analyzing these patterns and make a change.
We'll Talk About
00:00 Introduction: Recognizing Career Patterns
01:43 Understanding Happenstance Theory
03:15 Negative Patterns in Career Development
04:41 Steps to Identify and Change Patterns
05:27 Practical Examples of Common Patterns
06:30 Reflecting on Patterns and Making Changes
11:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Oct 8, 2024 • 45min
80. Stop Playing It Small: Close The Gap Between You And Your Success, with Anthony Flynn, Founder of Amazing CEO
In this episode, Anthony Flynn shares insights on overcoming career challenges, emphasizing the importance of mindset, skill development, and strategic thinking. He discusses his own journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a successful CEO, highlighting the power of belief, discipline, and leveraging transferable skills.
Key topics include the transition from individual contributor to leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and practical advice for career advancement. This conversation offers actionable strategies for achieving success and underscores the significance of personal growth and resilience.
We'll Talk About
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:21 Challenges in Leadership Transition
05:03 Developing Leadership Skills
10:54 Mindset and Confidence in Career Growth
19:01 The Importance of Mindset Work
23:26 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey
24:25 The Power of Therapy and Coaching
25:42 Challenging Limiting Beliefs
28:06 Turning Pain into Purpose
32:35 Corporate America to Nonprofit Leadership
35:12 Launching Amazing CEO
44:47 Final Thoughts: Focus on the Process
About Anthony Flynn
Anthony is a highly sought-after adviser to CEOs, Key Executives, and their companies. His extensive experience includes leadership roles with numerous Fortune 100 giants, such as Kraft Foods, RJ Reynolds, and 3M, as well as pivotal executive positions in several multi-million dollar non-profit ventures.
Anthony has been a featured speaker at Harvard University, Emory University, Georgia Tech, and The University of Memphis. His insights have been broadcasted on platforms such as Biz1190 (a Wall Street Journal syndicated radio show), TEDx, Q Conference, and numerous other channels including TV, radio, podcasts, and keynote addresses.
Connect with Anthony
Learn about Anthony at https://www.amazingceo.com/
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Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Oct 1, 2024 • 14min
79. The Fastest Way To Retarget Your Resume
Learn a streamlined process to retarget your resume in just 10-15 minutes. Break down steps to quickly adapt your resume to match job descriptions, from identifying key outcomes and skills to reordering bullet points and updating summary statements. Tune in for a systematic approach to ease the job application process, reduce being overwhelmed, and evaluate your career direction.
We'll Talk About
00:39 The Fastest Way to Retarget Your Resume
01:03 Step-by-Step Resume Retargeting Process
03:15 Fine-Tuning Your Resume for Success
07:40 Prerequisites for a Successful Resume Retargeting
09:04 Creating a Master and Active Resume
11:29 Emotional and Mental Benefits of a Streamlined Process
12:46 Conclusion and Future Topics
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Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Sep 24, 2024 • 33min
78. How To Prepare For And Address Public Conflict
Patricia and Julianna dive into the complexities of managing public conflict as a leader. They explore the strategic and emotional intelligence aspects of dealing with conflict in a corporate environment. The conversation covers various types of conflict, including interpersonal disagreements and innovative idea clashes. Important aspects such as cultural understanding, proactive relationship building, and strategic communication are mentioned.
Key takeaways include practical tips on anticipating conflict, diffusing situations, and focusing on the issue rather than the person. Whether you're an introverted or extroverted leader, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to enhance your leadership skills.
We'll talk about:
00:00 Introduction to Elevated Leadership
00:30 The Reality of Leadership Conflicts
02:53 Cultural and Personal Differences in Conflict
03:55 Interpersonal vs. Idea-Driven Conflicts
09:00 Managing Emotions and Perceptions
17:09 Strategies for Handling Public Conflict
24:31 Practical Tips for Leaders
31:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Connect with Julianna:
LinkedIn
Newsletter signup

Sep 17, 2024 • 44min
77. Career Planning, Search, and Salary Tips From Jenn Smith, Career Coach & HR Consultant
Jennifer Smith of the Flourish Careers Podcast shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a career coach and HR consultant. Jenn offers insights on career development, making intentional career moves, and adapting to different career phases. She also reveals her HEART-based career planning framework and offers practical job-seeking tips, including salary negotiation strategies and the importance of aligning work with personal values. Tune in to learn from Jenn's experiences and get inspired to make impactful career decisions.
We'll Talk About:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:00 Jenn's Unconventional Career Start
05:28 Transition to HR and Career Insights
08:31 Phases of Career Development
12:29 Values and Career Alignment
19:32 Building a College Recruiting Program
21:46 Building a Student Pipeline
22:52 Transition to Career Coaching
24:44 Starting a Business Amidst a Pandemic
26:08 Navigating Career Changes
28:48 HR Insights for Job Seekers
31:02 Negotiating Salary and Compensation
38:36 The HEART Framework
41:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell
About Jenn Smith
Before I became a career coach and HR consultant for heart-based professionals, my roots were deeply grounded in corporate America, including 15 years in HR departments at Fortune 200 organizations.
Now as a career coach and consultant, I've had the honor of supporting thousands of professionals around the world by assisting them with discovering and pursuing career intentions better aligned with their hearts and spirits while prioritizing well-being—and I believe we're all the better for it.
Connect with Jenn
Learn about Jenn at https://flourish.careers/
Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourish-careers-podcast/id1644521346
Connect to Jenn on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/flourish.careers/
Connect to Jenn on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlsmith9200/
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Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Sep 10, 2024 • 14min
76. Move Past The Fear of Networking
We delve into the common fears associated with networking, such as judgment, rejection, and social risks, and explore why these fears often arise. We also discuss practical strategies to shift the focus from ourselves to others, thereby reducing anxiety.
The episode also outlines the general framework of a networking conversation, from initial greetings to closing out, providing listeners with actionable steps to feel more comfortable and confident in networking situations. Tune in to discover how imagining positive outcomes can balance the perceived threats and uncover the real opportunities that networking can offer.
We'll Talk About
00:00 Introduction to Networking Fears
00:33 Common Networking Fears
02:03 Perceived Threats vs. Real Opportunities
04:39 Visualizing Networking Success
06:28 Improv Techniques for Networking
07:06 The Networking Conversation Framework
09:56 Closing the Conversation
11:51 Conclusion and Encouragement
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Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Sep 3, 2024 • 29min
75. Networking From Zero to a Community of Professionals w/Stephen Morris
Today, Stephen from Renown Leadership back to shares his personal journey, retiring in the army with no civilian contacts to becoming an adept networker, offering valuable tips for introverts and extroverts alike.
We cover key strategies such as leveraging strengths, the role of personality assessments, and the importance of genuine interactions. Stephen emphasizes building relationships and the power of active listening, making this episode a treasure trove of advice for anyone looking to improve their networking skills.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introductions
00:49 The Importance of Networking
01:43 Tips for Introverts in Networking
03:23 Steven's Networking Journey
04:28 The Power of Genuine Connections
08:54 Building and Nurturing Relationships
11:53 Understanding Personality in Networking
14:03 Leveraging Strengths and Weaknesses
24:22 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
About Stephen Jarvis Morris
Leadership is where I thrive. It's what I am passionate about and what I have been doing for the past 21 years of my professional career in the Military and Corporate worlds. I've been blessed to have some of the most spectacular examples of leadership anyone could ask for, and now it is my passion to share everything I have learned d with others as a Leadership Development and Career Coach. As a United States Army veteran, I have spent much of my adult life serving my country and leading combat and non-combat deployments worldwide. After leaving the Army, I joined the civilian workforce with leadership roles for several divisions of one organization. Inspired by the great leaders I have known and how they molded me into the celebrated leader I had become, I started Renowned Leadership. My purpose is to help people become authentic leaders with character and integrity. Leaders whom everyone wants to follow.
Connect with Stephen:
Web: https://www.renownedleadership.com/
Podcast: https://renownedleadership.com/podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-j-morris-143028251/
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Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Aug 27, 2024 • 29min
74. Leading a New Team
Patricia and Julianna delve into the essentials of gaining trust from a new team as a leader. They discuss common pitfalls like aiming for short-term wins that could undermine long-term trust. The conversation also touches on modeling flexibility, managing expectations from higher-ups, and the importance of facilitating team strengths. The hosts share practical examples and strategies for new leaders to build a strong, trusting team dynamic.
We'll talk about:
00:00 Introduction to Elevated Leadership
00:51 Common Missteps in New Leadership Roles
02:10 Balancing Short-Term Wins and Long-Term Strategies
04:48 Effective Communication and Empathy
09:46 Strategic Changes and Team Buy-In
19:30 Leadership Insights and Personal Stories
26:56 Summary and Conclusion
Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Connect with Julianna:
LinkedIn
Newsletter signup


